My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been, pleased to direct that Officers of the undermentioned grades* be permitted to pass a voluntary examination, in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and such other modern languages as may be selected from time to time.

The names of Officers who pass successfully will be noted, for employment in Flag and Senior Officers' Ships as Interpreters. When appointed they will receive an allowance of one shilling and sixpence a-day in addition to their full pay, and will act as Interpreters in addition to their other duties.

[If] the appointment be held by a Senior or Gunnery Lieutenant, he will receive the extra pay of an Interpreter in addition to his other allowances.

A thorough knowledge of one of the languages will entitle an Officer to a certificate as Interpreter.

The examination will be held from time to time at the Royal Naval College.